"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 7:11-12

 December 29

"If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Everything, therefore, be it what it may, that you would have men do to you, do you also the same to them; for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up." -Jesus in Matthew 7:11-12 (WEY)

​Christmas gifts are wonderful parts of the Holidays whether we received or gave them. Yet we probably received both gifts we love and maybe some we may return or exchange for something more appropriate. However, the thought and time we put into gift giving was no doubt substantial along with strong financial investments. Children are sometimes the focus of our finest efforts in giving perfect gifts. We usually spend a great deal of time ensuring children get great gifts whether they are our own kids or not. The children Jesus talks about in today's text had asked their Father for bread and fish which are good and essential gifts for health and happiness. Good food makes great gifts. Yet if kids ask for snakes, would wise fathers give it to them? Of course not! Jesus point is God knows sometimes we pray for "snakes" and He won't give us what we ask for, because it is poisonous.

​God will never give us bad or hurtful gifts or any that need to be exchanged or taken back for a better fit. As we get to know God better as a loving Father, we will learn to ask more for what is good. Then God grants it. Jesus shows us that the heart of God is a loving Father who is never selfish, begrudging, or stingy. We don't need to beg God about our personal gift list. He is a loving parent, who understands, cares, and comforts. He will never give us a harmful gift or one we need to return. By "doing unto others as we would have them do unto us," we have the perfect Gift Guide. The Golden Rule, as Jesus stated it, is the infallible guide for picking perfectly fitting gifts. Truly, Gods' gifts of joy, happiness, peace, provision, protection, and the birth of his son are the greatest gifts you can ever receive this Christmas! No exchanges are necessary.

​Prayer: God, Thank you for your amazing gifts to me. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: No returns are needed for perfect gifts!

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)